Another iPod / USB question

[Tom-Bee]

Andrew what ipod cable did you get off ebay? The ones I can see that aren't the original BMW ones don't charge the ipod via the USB port, they only have a mini jack connection on them.. Cheers.

Edit: I found a ipod y cable from Ford will it work?

[sam1975sam]

Quote: Originally Posted by M111 CGC (original)

The BMW ipod cable interfaces the Ipod to use it to play the music, which is then sent via an analogue (i.e. line out) signal into the Mini's auxiliary jack next to the USB port. This is not the same as connecting a USB memory stick (or hard drive?) to the USB port, as this will access the data files and use the Mini's head unit to decode the audio files (like using an MP3 CD in a Mini CD player).

This is why you need a special lead for using an Ipod in the Mini with USB. Even if the Mini could access the hard drive on the Ipod it would not be able to decode the files due to Apple's file format (or DRM?) on the MP3 tracks. It would be interesting to see if there is a cheaper alternative to the BMW lead though......

Interestingly enough I have just tried my 6th Generation ipod classic with the standard usb cable and it didn't work. My partners 5th Gen one with the same cable does. Only difference apart from the generation is that he uses a software called Anapod to manage his and I use itunes. Could this be a way around the niggle without forking out for a new cable??

[littlepops]

Fulfilled By Amazon with Free Delivery - 115cm iPod: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

bought this cable of amazon and just tried it but nothing happens, can anyone advise an alternative to the dealer cable or is that the only one that works? thanks